Bleeding shimano XT brakes

[W@nted]

I struggled with my rear xt brake which was spongy. Even after bleeding the brake from the caliper to the funnel it was still spongy. I then finally removed the caliper from the frame and then bled it from the top funnel towards the calliper. That forced a lot of air bubbles from the caliper. Feels like a new brake now

[Tedster]

Did a set of slx brakes, was quite easy to bleed. Working perfectly now.

[Eldron]

New Shimano brakes are not supposed to be bled bottom up - it blows the seal on the lever piston from time to time.

 

Funnel down is the only way to bleed the new brakes!

[W@nted]

New Shimano brakes are not supposed to be bled bottom up - it blows the seal on the lever piston from time to time.

 

Funnel down is the only way to bleed the new brakes!

 

Glad I did not bugger the seals...Manual on their web site still shows bleeding from the bottom? Just glad it is working again.

[beanz]

New Shimano brakes are not supposed to be bled bottom up - it blows the seal on the lever piston from time to time.

 

Funnel down is the only way to bleed the new brakes!

 

Where do you get the funnel and/or the other bits and pieces needed for a bleed?

Edited April 14, 2014 by beanz

[Eldron]

Glad I did not bugger the seals...Manual on their web site still shows bleeding from the bottom? Just glad it is working again.

 

Just checked and the manual does show both ways - that is weird. Every Shimano employee I've spoken to locally says top-down!

 

@beanz - you should be able to buy a full bleed kit or just the funnel at any LBS - contact me if you're struggling. I'd recommend just the funnel - I use the funnel and some fish tank tubing to direct the used oil from the bleed nipple to an old jam jar.

[Mojoman]

I used to have bleeding Avid Elixir brakes.....

[W@nted]

 

Where do you get the funnel and/or the other bits and pieces needed for a bleed?

 

I luckily received a funnel with my previous bike, but apparently they are hard to find. Then I just bought a syringe from dischem (R10) and some fish tank air tubing (R5). Just make sure to use the Shimano mineral oil. (R160/50mL)

[Sniffie]

I luckily received a funnel with my previous bike, but apparently they are hard to find. Then I just bought a syringe from dischem (R10) and some fish tank air tubing (R5). Just make sure to use the Shimano mineral oil. (R160/50mL)

Any mineral oil will do. Mineral oil is mineral oil after all. Much cheaper at motoring supply stores like midas etc. Edited April 15, 2014 by Sniffie

[fanievb]

Just make sure to use the Shimano mineral oil. (R160/50mL)

 

why? Castrol LHM+ works just as good and is R150 for a litre. as far as i have it the only difference is the color and the name on the bottle

[rouxtjie]

New Shimano brakes are not supposed to be bled bottom up - it blows the seal on the lever piston from time to time.

 

Funnel down is the only way to bleed the new brakes!

Currect....one over eager thumb on syringe and pop goes the weasel....

[beanz]

Just checked and the manual does show both ways - that is weird. Every Shimano employee I've spoken to locally says top-down!

 

@beanz - you should be able to buy a full bleed kit or just the funnel at any LBS - contact me if you're struggling. I'd recommend just the funnel - I use the funnel and some fish tank tubing to direct the used oil from the bleed nipple to an old jam jar.

 

Thanks Eldron